Services

Veteran Bernard Jordan arrives back nursing home after great escape to Normandy

War veteran Bernard Jordan has arrived back to a hero’s welcome at his Hove care home after his remarkable trip to Normandy for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

The 89-year-old was reported missing from The Pines nursing home in Furze Hill on Thursday evening, after not returning from a walk that morning.

Twelve hours later, staff learnt via a phone call that Mr Jordan had made a last minute dash to be with his fellow World War II heroes in France.

He was welcomed back warmly by staff at the care home this morning at just before 9am.

Staff waved Union Jacks and cheered as he pulled him up on the drive in the back seat of a white Nissan Qashqai shouting “welcome back” and “our hero”.

He was helped from the car and taken inside to the home for a reunion with other care home residents and his wife Irene.

Staff said he was “absolutely shattered and very emotional” from his adventures.

In a statement, Mr Jordan said: “I want to thank everyone for their kind words and best wishes following my trip to Normandy – I never imagined my trip would cause such a stir.

“I’m delighted to be back at home with my wife and the wonderful staff here at The Pines.

“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there.

“All the men and the women who took part that day 70 years ago are heroes, especially the ones who never came back.”

He arrived back from France on an early morning Brittany Ferries to Portsmouth and told reporters waiting there that he hoped to return to Normandy next year.

When asked if he had enjoyed his trip: "I had a great time. I'm really pleased I did it.

"It was good, it gets even better as it goes on."

The former Royal Navy officer said that he would have to face the music when he returned to the home.

He said: "Yeah, I'm going to have to face that but it's just one of those things."

Mr Jordan said that his wife knew about his trip and when asked if he would go back next year, he said: "Yes, I expect so, if I am still here definitely."

Steve Tuckwell, director of communications for Brittany Ferries, said that Mr Jordan enjoyed a breakfast of bacon, two fried eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee during the seven-hour crossing.

He said: "For a 90-year-old man he had a healthy appetite. He's a tremendous fellow, we loved having him on board."

Mr Tuckwell said that Mr Jordan had been adopted as the company's honorary veteran and he would be given free crossings to the D-Day commemorations for the rest of his life.

He said that Mr Jordan was found by a member of the crew as he travelled across to France on Thursday.

He said: "He was picked up by one of our staff, the ship's liaison officer, she found him wandering around, she took him under her wing, took him up to the bridge and treated him royally and he won the hearts of the crew.

"We adopted him as an honorary veteran and we will give him free travel to the Normandy beaches for the rest of his life.

"We owe him a huge debt and it was our way of paying him back, he's a marvellous guy."

He added: "We took him under our wing, he's a lovely, lovely guy, when he came off the crew all clapped him."

Earlier Mr Jordan told ITV that he hoped he would not be in trouble when he returned.

He told the broadcaster: "Because I wanted to go to this show here that was on today, that was the main reason I came over here.

"It's a first class show because I have been here last year and I have been here obviously this time and I'm going to - touch wood I'm still with us - and I will be 91 then, but if I am still about I shall try next year's as well."

Asked if he would be in trouble with the care home he added: "I might be, but I hope not."

Mr Jordan, a former mayor of Hove, left The Pines on Thursday morning wearing a grey mac and a jacket underneath with his war medals on, Sussex Police said.

Officers began searching the area, including checking hospitals in case something had happened to him, and spoke to bus and taxi companies, but none of them knew where he was.

The nursing home received a phone call from a younger veteran from Brighton at 10.30pm who said he had met Mr Jordan on a coach on the way to France and that they were safe and well in a hotel in Ouistreham.

Brittany Ferries said it had laid on a cabin, meals and a car back to the Pines.

Ship's liaison officer Sonia Pittam, who met Mr Jordan on his outward journey to France, said: "I knew he was a game old boy.

"He certainly has his wits about him, he didn't say much about the landings, just how pleased he was to be on board and couldn't believe how everyone was looking after them (veterans) and all the people waving on the route to the harbour entrance.

"He kept saying, 'All this for us'."

Sussex Police said they had spoken to Mr Jordan and would have a chat with him when he got home "to check he is OK".

Susan Knowles, Mr Jordan's niece, told Sky News that her uncle had a history of visiting events he was not expected at.

She said: "Last time I saw him would be at a family funeral that he made his way down to again, and we were all quite amazed that he'd made his way to Bournemouth to this family funeral, on the train, on his own.

"He sort of just came walking up and we were quite surprised to see him there, because of his age and that, we didn't expect him to be there.

"If he's determined to do something he will."

A spokesman for the home said it was "definitely not the case" that the veteran was banned from attending the D-Day commemorations.

In a statement, Peter Curtis, chief executive of Gracewell Healthcare, which runs The Pines, said: "Mr Jordan has full capacity, which means that he can come and go from the home as he pleases, which he does on most days. At no stage was he banned from going to the commemorations.

"In fact, staff at the home tried to get Mr Jordan on to an accredited tour with the Royal British Legion but, due to the last-minute nature of the request, this was not possible.

"Mr Jordan was reported missing to the police yesterday evening as a matter of caution because he did not return from his normal trip to town and when he left had not told us he was still intent on trying to get to Normandy.

"At Gracewell Healthcare we celebrate the individuality of our residents' lives and are in awe of the part Mr Jordan played in the D-Day invasion 70 years ago."

The Gracewell Healthcare blog says Mr Jordan has lived in Hove his "whole life" and has lived at The Pines since January, adding: "He served in the Second World War in the Royal Navy and upon returning married his sweetheart, Irene, and began his professional calling.

"Bernard looks back on his career modestly and believed he was very fortunate to serve his community."

Mr Jordan told the blog: "I was able to take my chance, serve the people of my town and do a job I loved. I am very proud of what I was able to do.

"For anyone who is interested in becoming mayor, you must be prepared to work hard."

He was mayor of Hove from 1995 to 1996, the blog said.

The highlight of his working life was meeting Margaret Thatcher, according to the blog post.

He said: "It was definitely one of my favourite memories. She was an amazingly strong lady. When she visited Brighton I got the chance to meet her and it was a very proud moment for me."

The blog reports that Mr Jordan was presented with a special award in 1999 for his dedication as a local councillor for 34 years.

He still has a keen interest in politics and also loves supporting his favourite football team, Brighton and Hove Albion, the blog post said.

Mr Curtis told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "He is back safely. The first thing he did was tuck in to an English breakfast and he was on excellent form.

"I think he was completely taken aback by the scale the story has taken on but he was on fine form."

Describing him as "quite a character", Mr Curtis added: "His wife is also with us at the home and when we told her where he was she just immediately said 'well I'm not surprised'."

The home got a call on Thursday night at 10.30pm from one of the new friends he made on the ferry to France, Mr Curtis said.

Mr Jordan had met some veterans from Brighton who were on a official tour party, who took him under their wing, and one of the officials gave the home a call to say where he was.

Comments

Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.

Of course. When you're ninety years old and off on an physically and emotionally exhausting trip your brain never stops thinking logicaly

[quote][p][bold]getThisCoalitionOut[/bold] wrote:
Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.[/p][/quote]Of course. When you're ninety years old and off on an physically and emotionally exhausting trip your brain never stops thinking logicalyNumber Six

getThisCoalitionOut wrote…

Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.

Of course. When you're ninety years old and off on an physically and emotionally exhausting trip your brain never stops thinking logicaly

Score: 1

Dandylads
10:13am Sat 7 Jun 14

What a truly remarkable man you are sir and a credit to our country.
Thank you for giving me the life that I am allowed to live, for without your courage, bravery and strength things could have been very different.
I salute and respect you,
May God bless you and keep you safe at all times.

What a truly remarkable man you are sir and a credit to our country.
Thank you for giving me the life that I am allowed to live, for without your courage, bravery and strength things could have been very different.
I salute and respect you,
May God bless you and keep you safe at all times.Dandylads

What a truly remarkable man you are sir and a credit to our country.
Thank you for giving me the life that I am allowed to live, for without your courage, bravery and strength things could have been very different.
I salute and respect you,
May God bless you and keep you safe at all times.

Score: 67

clubrob6
10:18am Sat 7 Jun 14

WELL DONE love these sort of articles,my 97 yr old dad who lives in Cumbria who served on the Belfast during D-Day said to me on the phone he wished he had gone with him.Its great we are remembering what happened not so long ago where tens of millions died for the freedoms we have today.Its even more important now as living memories will fade away.I hope Bernard enjoyed his trip and wish him all the best.

WELL DONE love these sort of articles,my 97 yr old dad who lives in Cumbria who served on the Belfast during D-Day said to me on the phone he wished he had gone with him.Its great we are remembering what happened not so long ago where tens of millions died for the freedoms we have today.Its even more important now as living memories will fade away.I hope Bernard enjoyed his trip and wish him all the best.clubrob6

WELL DONE love these sort of articles,my 97 yr old dad who lives in Cumbria who served on the Belfast during D-Day said to me on the phone he wished he had gone with him.Its great we are remembering what happened not so long ago where tens of millions died for the freedoms we have today.Its even more important now as living memories will fade away.I hope Bernard enjoyed his trip and wish him all the best.

Score: 51

Number Six
10:32am Sat 7 Jun 14

Dandylads wrote…

What a truly remarkable man you are sir and a credit to our country. Thank you for giving me the life that I am allowed to live, for without your courage, bravery and strength things could have been very different. I salute and respect you, May God bless you and keep you safe at all times.

Wholeheartedly agree. When I first heard this on the radio I thought "Well, if the German Army couldn't stop him I don't suppose a couple of carers have got much chance

[quote][p][bold]Dandylads[/bold] wrote:
What a truly remarkable man you are sir and a credit to our country. Thank you for giving me the life that I am allowed to live, for without your courage, bravery and strength things could have been very different. I salute and respect you, May God bless you and keep you safe at all times.[/p][/quote]Wholeheartedly agree. When I first heard this on the radio I thought "Well, if the German Army couldn't stop him I don't suppose a couple of carers have got much chanceNumber Six

Dandylads wrote…

What a truly remarkable man you are sir and a credit to our country. Thank you for giving me the life that I am allowed to live, for without your courage, bravery and strength things could have been very different. I salute and respect you, May God bless you and keep you safe at all times.

Wholeheartedly agree. When I first heard this on the radio I thought "Well, if the German Army couldn't stop him I don't suppose a couple of carers have got much chance

Score: 41

ZeeGee, ffs
2:26pm Sat 7 Jun 14

“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there. "

A comment made AFTER he had returned to The Pines.

It is quite possible that he had misunderstood something that was said to him before he set off, but it is just as possible that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.

“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there. "
A comment made AFTER he had returned to The Pines.
It is quite possible that he had misunderstood something that was said to him before he set off, but it is just as possible that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.ZeeGee, ffs

“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there. "

A comment made AFTER he had returned to The Pines.

It is quite possible that he had misunderstood something that was said to him before he set off, but it is just as possible that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.

Score: -16

Valerie Paynter
11:26am Sat 7 Jun 14

You never stop being yourself, whatever restrictions age or infirmity puts on the body. But what he determined to do without assistance took real daring and he will have felt just how much he was tempting his limitations. Bloody did it anyway. It is awful losing independence and he has grabbed a bit of it back.

You never stop being yourself, whatever restrictions age or infirmity puts on the body. But what he determined to do without assistance took real daring and he will have felt just how much he was tempting his limitations. Bloody did it anyway. It is awful losing independence and he has grabbed a bit of it back.Valerie Paynter

You never stop being yourself, whatever restrictions age or infirmity puts on the body. But what he determined to do without assistance took real daring and he will have felt just how much he was tempting his limitations. Bloody did it anyway. It is awful losing independence and he has grabbed a bit of it back.

Score: 21

ZeeGee, ffs
11:33am Sat 7 Jun 14

It's plain from his comments that his wife was perfectly happy for him to make the trip BUT that the care home had told him he couldn't go.

This gives the lie to all the " we didn't tell him he couldn't go" BS from the home's manager yesterday.

Welcome Home, Bernard......hope you get there again next year!

It's plain from his comments that his wife was perfectly happy for him to make the trip BUT that the care home had told him he couldn't go.
This gives the lie to all the " we didn't tell him he couldn't go" BS from the home's manager yesterday.
Welcome Home, Bernard......hope you get there again next year!ZeeGee, ffs

It's plain from his comments that his wife was perfectly happy for him to make the trip BUT that the care home had told him he couldn't go.

This gives the lie to all the " we didn't tell him he couldn't go" BS from the home's manager yesterday.

Welcome Home, Bernard......hope you get there again next year!

Score: 7

wippasnapper
11:41am Sat 7 Jun 14

Good on Bernard Jordan for making the trip to the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy

Good on Bernard Jordan for making the trip to the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandywippasnapper

Good on Bernard Jordan for making the trip to the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy

Score: 22

Andy R
2:31pm Sat 7 Jun 14

ZeeGee, ffs wrote…

“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there. "

A comment made AFTER he had returned to The Pines.

It is quite possible that he had misunderstood something that was said to him before he set off, but it is just as possible that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.

Clutch hard at those straws now.......

[quote][p][bold]ZeeGee, ffs[/bold] wrote:
“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there. "
A comment made AFTER he had returned to The Pines.
It is quite possible that he had misunderstood something that was said to him before he set off, but it is just as possible that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.[/p][/quote]Clutch hard at those straws now.......Andy R

ZeeGee, ffs wrote…

“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there. "

A comment made AFTER he had returned to The Pines.

It is quite possible that he had misunderstood something that was said to him before he set off, but it is just as possible that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.

Clutch hard at those straws now.......

Score: 10

NickBrt
12:46pm Sat 7 Jun 14

If he was a protester or drug pusher a certain mp would gave rushed for a photo opportunity. He's not so she stays away. Poignant.

If he was a protester or drug pusher a certain mp would gave rushed for a photo opportunity. He's not so she stays away. Poignant.NickBrt

If he was a protester or drug pusher a certain mp would gave rushed for a photo opportunity. He's not so she stays away. Poignant.

Score: 0

Stig Thundercock
1:10pm Sat 7 Jun 14

ZeeGee, ffs wrote…

It's plain from his comments that his wife was perfectly happy for him to make the trip BUT that the care home had told him he couldn't go.

This gives the lie to all the " we didn't tell him he couldn't go" BS from the home's manager yesterday.

Welcome Home, Bernard......hope you get there again next year!

The first sentence is utter rubbish, to quote the man himself from the article above;

“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there."

Every other article I have seen in other papers also refutes the fact that the home stopped him from going. Even the police chief who tweeted that fact in the first place has now now gone on record to say this was not the case.

In fact the home did the right thing by reporting him missing when he did not return that evening. They are getting a bad press for something they did not do, because some people have embellished a story (police chief for starters).

It is a great feel good story with all the correct facts in place and now he's got the option of a free ferry service I hope he makes it for the next ten years at least.

[quote][p][bold]ZeeGee, ffs[/bold] wrote:
It's plain from his comments that his wife was perfectly happy for him to make the trip BUT that the care home had told him he couldn't go.
This gives the lie to all the " we didn't tell him he couldn't go" BS from the home's manager yesterday.
Welcome Home, Bernard......hope you get there again next year![/p][/quote]The first sentence is utter rubbish, to quote the man himself from the article above;
“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there."
Every other article I have seen in other papers also refutes the fact that the home stopped him from going. Even the police chief who tweeted that fact in the first place has now now gone on record to say this was not the case.
In fact the home did the right thing by reporting him missing when he did not return that evening. They are getting a bad press for something they did not do, because some people have embellished a story (police chief for starters).
It is a great feel good story with all the correct facts in place and now he's got the option of a free ferry service I hope he makes it for the next ten years at least.Stig Thundercock

ZeeGee, ffs wrote…

It's plain from his comments that his wife was perfectly happy for him to make the trip BUT that the care home had told him he couldn't go.

This gives the lie to all the " we didn't tell him he couldn't go" BS from the home's manager yesterday.

Welcome Home, Bernard......hope you get there again next year!

The first sentence is utter rubbish, to quote the man himself from the article above;

“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there."

Every other article I have seen in other papers also refutes the fact that the home stopped him from going. Even the police chief who tweeted that fact in the first place has now now gone on record to say this was not the case.

In fact the home did the right thing by reporting him missing when he did not return that evening. They are getting a bad press for something they did not do, because some people have embellished a story (police chief for starters).

It is a great feel good story with all the correct facts in place and now he's got the option of a free ferry service I hope he makes it for the next ten years at least.

Score: 20

Andy R
1:42pm Sat 7 Jun 14

ZeeGee, ffs wrote…

It's plain from his comments that his wife was perfectly happy for him to make the trip BUT that the care home had told him he couldn't go.

This gives the lie to all the " we didn't tell him he couldn't go" BS from the home's manager yesterday.

Welcome Home, Bernard......hope you get there again next year!

You don't think it's time for you to show a little humility and maybe apologise for all the "BS" you've been spreading then.....?

[quote][p][bold]ZeeGee, ffs[/bold] wrote:
It's plain from his comments that his wife was perfectly happy for him to make the trip BUT that the care home had told him he couldn't go.
This gives the lie to all the " we didn't tell him he couldn't go" BS from the home's manager yesterday.
Welcome Home, Bernard......hope you get there again next year![/p][/quote]You don't think it's time for you to show a little humility and maybe apologise for all the "BS" you've been spreading then.....?Andy R

ZeeGee, ffs wrote…

It's plain from his comments that his wife was perfectly happy for him to make the trip BUT that the care home had told him he couldn't go.

This gives the lie to all the " we didn't tell him he couldn't go" BS from the home's manager yesterday.

Welcome Home, Bernard......hope you get there again next year!

You don't think it's time for you to show a little humility and maybe apologise for all the "BS" you've been spreading then.....?

Score: 8

ZeeGee, ffs
2:04pm Sat 7 Jun 14

A few facts:

Bernard was asked on his arrival back in England if he had enjoyed his trip. This was BEFORE he had made it back to The Pines. His responses included a reference to having to 'face the music' back at the care home:

"Yeah, I'm going to have to face that but it's just one of those things."

This tallies in with what he told ITV whilst STILL in France about being in trouble with The Pines when he got back there:

"I might be, but I hope not."

So that is TWO references on TWO different days to TWO different media outlets in TWO different countries that Bernard expected problems on his return to the home.

What on Earth had put that in his mind? Anything to do with the content of The Yarg-us headline which claimed he had been told he couldn't go?

Since that original report, we've been showered with comments from The Pines saying that nothing of the sort had occurred.......so why was Bernard convinced he was in deep do-do?

The fact is that HE was fully aware of the situation between him and The Pines throughout the entire affair, and I trust HIS word above everyone's.

A few facts:
Bernard was asked on his arrival back in England if he had enjoyed his trip. This was BEFORE he had made it back to The Pines. His responses included a reference to having to 'face the music' back at the care home:
"Yeah, I'm going to have to face that but it's just one of those things."
This tallies in with what he told ITV whilst STILL in France about being in trouble with The Pines when he got back there:
"I might be, but I hope not."
So that is TWO references on TWO different days to TWO different media outlets in TWO different countries that Bernard expected problems on his return to the home.
What on Earth had put that in his mind? Anything to do with the content of The Yarg-us headline which claimed he had been told he couldn't go?
Since that original report, we've been showered with comments from The Pines saying that nothing of the sort had occurred.......so why was Bernard convinced he was in deep do-do?
The fact is that HE was fully aware of the situation between him and The Pines throughout the entire affair, and I trust HIS word above everyone's.ZeeGee, ffs

A few facts:

Bernard was asked on his arrival back in England if he had enjoyed his trip. This was BEFORE he had made it back to The Pines. His responses included a reference to having to 'face the music' back at the care home:

"Yeah, I'm going to have to face that but it's just one of those things."

This tallies in with what he told ITV whilst STILL in France about being in trouble with The Pines when he got back there:

"I might be, but I hope not."

So that is TWO references on TWO different days to TWO different media outlets in TWO different countries that Bernard expected problems on his return to the home.

What on Earth had put that in his mind? Anything to do with the content of The Yarg-us headline which claimed he had been told he couldn't go?

Since that original report, we've been showered with comments from The Pines saying that nothing of the sort had occurred.......so why was Bernard convinced he was in deep do-do?

The fact is that HE was fully aware of the situation between him and The Pines throughout the entire affair, and I trust HIS word above everyone's.

Score: -14

ZeeGee, ffs
2:38pm Sat 7 Jun 14

Andy R wrote…

ZeeGee, ffs wrote…

“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there. "

A comment made AFTER he had returned to The Pines.

It is quite possible that he had misunderstood something that was said to him before he set off, but it is just as possible that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.

Clutch hard at those straws now.......

Unable to argue against the report, Andy?

Poor you!

[quote][p][bold]Andy R[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]ZeeGee, ffs[/bold] wrote:
“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there. "
A comment made AFTER he had returned to The Pines.
It is quite possible that he had misunderstood something that was said to him before he set off, but it is just as possible that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.[/p][/quote]Clutch hard at those straws now.......[/p][/quote]Unable to argue against the report, Andy?
Poor you!ZeeGee, ffs

Andy R wrote…

ZeeGee, ffs wrote…

“I was never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there. "

A comment made AFTER he had returned to The Pines.

It is quite possible that he had misunderstood something that was said to him before he set off, but it is just as possible that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.

Clutch hard at those straws now.......

Unable to argue against the report, Andy?

Poor you!

Score: -9

Man of steel
3:00pm Sat 7 Jun 14

ZeeGee, ffs, during the ITN interview he clearly said that if he was still here next year, they will not stop him then either, and I found it rather telling that the care home made no comments about anything until after they were named, (and shamed), but I do agree with you that it is possible (I would say probable) that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.

ZeeGee, ffs, during the ITN interview he clearly said that if he was still here next year, they will not stop him then either, and I found it rather telling that the care home made no comments about anything until after they were named, (and shamed), but I do agree with you that it is possible (I would say probable) that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.Man of steel

ZeeGee, ffs, during the ITN interview he clearly said that if he was still here next year, they will not stop him then either, and I found it rather telling that the care home made no comments about anything until after they were named, (and shamed), but I do agree with you that it is possible (I would say probable) that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.

Score: 2

woodcroft
3:26pm Sat 7 Jun 14

I am on holiday in Canada, this story has made a big news item on Canadian TV. Well done young man.
If you want to escape on a Saturday next season I will take you to the AMEX

I am on holiday in Canada, this story has made a big news item on Canadian TV. Well done young man.
If you want to escape on a Saturday next season I will take you to the AMEXwoodcroft

I am on holiday in Canada, this story has made a big news item on Canadian TV. Well done young man.
If you want to escape on a Saturday next season I will take you to the AMEX

Score: 1

ZeeGee, ffs
3:26pm Sat 7 Jun 14

Man of steel wrote…

ZeeGee, ffs, during the ITN interview he clearly said that if he was still here next year, they will not stop him then either, and I found it rather telling that the care home made no comments about anything until after they were named, (and shamed), but I do agree with you that it is possible (I would say probable) that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.

So he said that they weren't able to stop him in 2014 and that they wouldn't be able to stop in 2015.

Thanks for that.

[quote][p][bold]Man of steel[/bold] wrote:
ZeeGee, ffs, during the ITN interview he clearly said that if he was still here next year, they will not stop him then either, and I found it rather telling that the care home made no comments about anything until after they were named, (and shamed), but I do agree with you that it is possible (I would say probable) that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.[/p][/quote]So he said that they weren't able to stop him in 2014 and that they wouldn't be able to stop in 2015.
Thanks for that.ZeeGee, ffs

Man of steel wrote…

ZeeGee, ffs, during the ITN interview he clearly said that if he was still here next year, they will not stop him then either, and I found it rather telling that the care home made no comments about anything until after they were named, (and shamed), but I do agree with you that it is possible (I would say probable) that someone had had a quiet word with him before he spoke to the media at the home.

So he said that they weren't able to stop him in 2014 and that they wouldn't be able to stop in 2015.

Thanks for that.

Score: 0

Number Six
3:38pm Sat 7 Jun 14

I understood from the news on Radio 2 at 8.00 that he was told he had left it too late to join the official trip. He just decided to go anyway, on his own. Whatever the reasons it doesn't deter from his bravery and determination.

Anyway, one thing is clear to me. Bernard is twice the man than those petty individuals on this board busily point scoring while quabbling over boring irrelevancies

I understood from the news on Radio 2 at 8.00 that he was told he had left it too late to join the official trip. He just decided to go anyway, on his own. Whatever the reasons it doesn't deter from his bravery and determination.
Anyway, one thing is clear to me. Bernard is twice the man than those petty individuals on this board busily point scoring while quabbling over boring irrelevanciesNumber Six

I understood from the news on Radio 2 at 8.00 that he was told he had left it too late to join the official trip. He just decided to go anyway, on his own. Whatever the reasons it doesn't deter from his bravery and determination.

Anyway, one thing is clear to me. Bernard is twice the man than those petty individuals on this board busily point scoring while quabbling over boring irrelevancies

Score: 15

ZeeGee, ffs
3:57pm Sat 7 Jun 14

Number Six wrote…

I understood from the news on Radio 2 at 8.00 that he was told he had left it too late to join the official trip. He just decided to go anyway, on his own. Whatever the reasons it doesn't deter from his bravery and determination.

Anyway, one thing is clear to me. Bernard is twice the man than those petty individuals on this board busily point scoring while quabbling over boring irrelevancies

So he was told that he couldn't go.

How he interpreted that is his business, but the fact that he knew he was in trouble shows that the home didn't make its position clear.

It's also been pointed out that the home in question didn't come forward to defend itself until it had been publicly named - that shows that it knew he was right.

I watched on the news as his written statement was quoted. It absolves the home (contradicting his earlier statements) yet there is no evidence that they are his words.

Discussion of facts and correcting errors isn't a matter of point-scoring;', but I do appreciate that there are some like you who will post just to do that.

[quote][p][bold]Number Six[/bold] wrote:
I understood from the news on Radio 2 at 8.00 that he was told he had left it too late to join the official trip. He just decided to go anyway, on his own. Whatever the reasons it doesn't deter from his bravery and determination.
Anyway, one thing is clear to me. Bernard is twice the man than those petty individuals on this board busily point scoring while quabbling over boring irrelevancies[/p][/quote]So he was told that he couldn't go.
How he interpreted that is his business, but the fact that he knew he was in trouble shows that the home didn't make its position clear.
It's also been pointed out that the home in question didn't come forward to defend itself until it had been publicly named - that shows that it knew he was right.
I watched on the news as his written statement was quoted. It absolves the home (contradicting his earlier statements) yet there is no evidence that they are his words.
Discussion of facts and correcting errors isn't a matter of point-scoring;', but I do appreciate that there are some like you who will post just to do that.ZeeGee, ffs

Number Six wrote…

I understood from the news on Radio 2 at 8.00 that he was told he had left it too late to join the official trip. He just decided to go anyway, on his own. Whatever the reasons it doesn't deter from his bravery and determination.

Anyway, one thing is clear to me. Bernard is twice the man than those petty individuals on this board busily point scoring while quabbling over boring irrelevancies

So he was told that he couldn't go.

How he interpreted that is his business, but the fact that he knew he was in trouble shows that the home didn't make its position clear.

It's also been pointed out that the home in question didn't come forward to defend itself until it had been publicly named - that shows that it knew he was right.

I watched on the news as his written statement was quoted. It absolves the home (contradicting his earlier statements) yet there is no evidence that they are his words.

Discussion of facts and correcting errors isn't a matter of point-scoring;', but I do appreciate that there are some like you who will post just to do that.

Score: -11

getThisCoalitionOut
4:11pm Sat 7 Jun 14

Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.

Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.getThisCoalitionOut

Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.

Score: -1

ZeeGee, ffs
4:24pm Sat 7 Jun 14

getThisCoalitionOut wrote…

Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.

There is no evidence that he had a phone with him, and it was established that he did ensure the home was made aware of his presence in France the next day.

He was obviously worried about telling the home before he departed, and the suggestion that he claimed he'd been told that he couldn't go lends weight to the fact that he knew he was in trouble for doing what he did.

[quote][p][bold]getThisCoalitionOut[/bold] wrote:
Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.[/p][/quote]There is no evidence that he had a phone with him, and it was established that he did ensure the home was made aware of his presence in France the next day.
He was obviously worried about telling the home before he departed, and the suggestion that he claimed he'd been told that he couldn't go lends weight to the fact that he knew he was in trouble for doing what he did.ZeeGee, ffs

getThisCoalitionOut wrote…

Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.

There is no evidence that he had a phone with him, and it was established that he did ensure the home was made aware of his presence in France the next day.

He was obviously worried about telling the home before he departed, and the suggestion that he claimed he'd been told that he couldn't go lends weight to the fact that he knew he was in trouble for doing what he did.

Score: -1

ZeeGee, ffs
7:45pm Sat 7 Jun 14

Number Six wrote…

Dandylads wrote…

What a truly remarkable man you are sir and a credit to our country. Thank you for giving me the life that I am allowed to live, for without your courage, bravery and strength things could have been very different. I salute and respect you, May God bless you and keep you safe at all times.

Wholeheartedly agree. When I first heard this on the radio I thought "Well, if the German Army couldn't stop him I don't suppose a couple of carers have got much chance

That sums up this episode beautifully.

[quote][p][bold]Number Six[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Dandylads[/bold] wrote:
What a truly remarkable man you are sir and a credit to our country. Thank you for giving me the life that I am allowed to live, for without your courage, bravery and strength things could have been very different. I salute and respect you, May God bless you and keep you safe at all times.[/p][/quote]Wholeheartedly agree. When I first heard this on the radio I thought "Well, if the German Army couldn't stop him I don't suppose a couple of carers have got much chance[/p][/quote]That sums up this episode beautifully.ZeeGee, ffs

Number Six wrote…

Dandylads wrote…

What a truly remarkable man you are sir and a credit to our country. Thank you for giving me the life that I am allowed to live, for without your courage, bravery and strength things could have been very different. I salute and respect you, May God bless you and keep you safe at all times.

Wholeheartedly agree. When I first heard this on the radio I thought "Well, if the German Army couldn't stop him I don't suppose a couple of carers have got much chance

That sums up this episode beautifully.

Score: -2

Number Six
7:24pm Sat 7 Jun 14

"Hello Dear, I'm home. It's funny but I don't remember all this fuss the last time I was there"

"Hello Dear, I'm home. It's funny but I don't remember all this fuss the last time I was there"Number Six

"Hello Dear, I'm home. It's funny but I don't remember all this fuss the last time I was there"

Score: 0

Morpheus
9:16pm Sat 7 Jun 14

getThisCoalitionOut wrote…

Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.

None of this report makes sense. It says his wife knew but it seems nobody thought to ask her.

[quote][p][bold]getThisCoalitionOut[/bold] wrote:
Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.[/p][/quote]None of this report makes sense. It says his wife knew but it seems nobody thought to ask her.Morpheus

getThisCoalitionOut wrote…

Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.

None of this report makes sense. It says his wife knew but it seems nobody thought to ask her.

Score: 1

Andy R
10:25pm Sat 7 Jun 14

NickBrt wrote…

If he was a protester or drug pusher a certain mp would gave rushed for a photo opportunity. He's not so she stays away. Poignant.

Wow....just....wow!

Totally off the wall comment. ZeeGee's got competition.

Anyway, nice to see that the Argus has now got its act together and is reporting this story accurately.

[quote][p][bold]NickBrt[/bold] wrote:
If he was a protester or drug pusher a certain mp would gave rushed for a photo opportunity. He's not so she stays away. Poignant.[/p][/quote]Wow....just....wow!
Totally off the wall comment. ZeeGee's got competition.
Anyway, nice to see that the Argus has now got its act together and is reporting this story accurately.Andy R

NickBrt wrote…

If he was a protester or drug pusher a certain mp would gave rushed for a photo opportunity. He's not so she stays away. Poignant.

Wow....just....wow!

Totally off the wall comment. ZeeGee's got competition.

Anyway, nice to see that the Argus has now got its act together and is reporting this story accurately.

Score: 1

ZeeGee, ffs
1:36am Sun 8 Jun 14

Andy R wrote…

NickBrt wrote…

If he was a protester or drug pusher a certain mp would gave rushed for a photo opportunity. He's not so she stays away. Poignant.

Wow....just....wow!

Totally off the wall comment. ZeeGee's got competition.

Anyway, nice to see that the Argus has now got its act together and is reporting this story accurately.

So you had inside information?

Funny, but I got the impression that you were slavishly following the line trotted out by the care home and not the comments made by Bernard.

Let's face it, you had your ar*se handed to you over this...much like what happens every time you comment upon anything.

[quote][p][bold]Andy R[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]NickBrt[/bold] wrote:
If he was a protester or drug pusher a certain mp would gave rushed for a photo opportunity. He's not so she stays away. Poignant.[/p][/quote]Wow....just....wow!
Totally off the wall comment. ZeeGee's got competition.
Anyway, nice to see that the Argus has now got its act together and is reporting this story accurately.[/p][/quote]So you had inside information?
Funny, but I got the impression that you were slavishly following the line trotted out by the care home and not the comments made by Bernard.
Let's face it, you had your ar*se handed to you over this...much like what happens every time you comment upon anything.ZeeGee, ffs

Andy R wrote…

NickBrt wrote…

If he was a protester or drug pusher a certain mp would gave rushed for a photo opportunity. He's not so she stays away. Poignant.

Wow....just....wow!

Totally off the wall comment. ZeeGee's got competition.

Anyway, nice to see that the Argus has now got its act together and is reporting this story accurately.

So you had inside information?

Funny, but I got the impression that you were slavishly following the line trotted out by the care home and not the comments made by Bernard.

Let's face it, you had your ar*se handed to you over this...much like what happens every time you comment upon anything.

Score: -2

ZeeGee, ffs
3:00am Sun 8 Jun 14

I hope you all love this page:

https://www.facebook
.com/RespectToTheEsc
apedPensioner

I hope you all love this page:
https://www.facebook
.com/RespectToTheEsc
apedPensionerZeeGee, ffs

I hope you all love this page:

https://www.facebook
.com/RespectToTheEsc
apedPensioner

Score: -2

Old Ladys Gin
8:50am Sun 8 Jun 14

Once you are used to being adventurous it never leaves you.
At the age of 13 I was waved off at Victoria bus station in London to go and see friends in France for the summer.
The journey involved the coach then a short flight and three changes of train and I arrived (and came back) in one piece.
I think every young person should do something along the same lines and the experience will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Good luck to the old chap and I hope he has a few more trips left in him.

Once you are used to being adventurous it never leaves you.
At the age of 13 I was waved off at Victoria bus station in London to go and see friends in France for the summer.
The journey involved the coach then a short flight and three changes of train and I arrived (and came back) in one piece.
I think every young person should do something along the same lines and the experience will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Good luck to the old chap and I hope he has a few more trips left in him.Old Ladys Gin

Once you are used to being adventurous it never leaves you.
At the age of 13 I was waved off at Victoria bus station in London to go and see friends in France for the summer.
The journey involved the coach then a short flight and three changes of train and I arrived (and came back) in one piece.
I think every young person should do something along the same lines and the experience will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Good luck to the old chap and I hope he has a few more trips left in him.

Score: 2

ZeeGee, ffs
12:57pm Sun 8 Jun 14

Morpheus wrote…

getThisCoalitionOut wrote…

Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.

None of this report makes sense. It says his wife knew but it seems nobody thought to ask her.

Perhaps they did ask her (surely that would have been the first thing they did) and she told them nothing, just as she'd obviously promised Bernard she would.

[quote][p][bold]Morpheus[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]getThisCoalitionOut[/bold] wrote:
Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.[/p][/quote]None of this report makes sense. It says his wife knew but it seems nobody thought to ask her.[/p][/quote]Perhaps they did ask her (surely that would have been the first thing they did) and she told them nothing, just as she'd obviously promised Bernard she would.ZeeGee, ffs

Morpheus wrote…

getThisCoalitionOut wrote…

Shame that he couldn't be bothered to contact the home after he'd left to advise them of his plans - would have saved the police much valuable time needed for more important things.

None of this report makes sense. It says his wife knew but it seems nobody thought to ask her.

Perhaps they did ask her (surely that would have been the first thing they did) and she told them nothing, just as she'd obviously promised Bernard she would.

Score: -1

cookie_brighton
6:55pm Sun 8 Jun 14

89 years of age..........I hope I can plan a trip to another country, and make that trip at his age.
This was the 70th rememberance of the event that made history, many of the war veterans that were there knew this will be their last one........our Government should have organised free passage for these heros to be taken to France and looked after. Bernard I hope I have the pleasure of meeting you whilst I am about in Hove.......I am grateful to you, and all the other heros who served their Queen and country who made our life a better place to live.
Sir.........I salute you.
EX Soldier.

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING.......WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

89 years of age..........I hope I can plan a trip to another country, and make that trip at his age.
This was the 70th rememberance of the event that made history, many of the war veterans that were there knew this will be their last one........our Government should have organised free passage for these heros to be taken to France and looked after. Bernard I hope I have the pleasure of meeting you whilst I am about in Hove.......I am grateful to you, and all the other heros who served their Queen and country who made our life a better place to live.
Sir.........I salute you.
EX Soldier.
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING.......WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.cookie_brighton

89 years of age..........I hope I can plan a trip to another country, and make that trip at his age.
This was the 70th rememberance of the event that made history, many of the war veterans that were there knew this will be their last one........our Government should have organised free passage for these heros to be taken to France and looked after. Bernard I hope I have the pleasure of meeting you whilst I am about in Hove.......I am grateful to you, and all the other heros who served their Queen and country who made our life a better place to live.
Sir.........I salute you.
EX Soldier.

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING.......WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

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